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The Demons have been in the headlines since September for all the wrong reasons, having failed to register a win from two finals matches last year before a string of off-field issues marred their off-season.
There's no doubting the pedigree of Simon Goodwin's squad, but distractions can easily play their part in derailing a club's campaign. If Melbourne can find some smooth seas this year, they'll be right back on course for another premiership.
Melbourne's list suggests they'll be back in the finals frame this year, but there's seemingly a number of matters they'll need to resolve to be any chance of booking a top eight spot, let alone a finals win.
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The questions that surround star midfielder Clayton Oliver are significant, with Simon Goodwin's side struggling at times in his absence last year. With some new faces joining Goodwin's ranks, and the same star talent still on display, you can't rule Melbourne out of another flag tilt.
The Demons' reigning best and fairest winner was exceptional last season on his way to securing his fourth successive All-Australian blazer. Petracca's contested advantages remain a large strength in his game, exploding from the centre of the field before setting sights for the goals.
If the big-bodied onballer can get his kicking right, then we might see an even better Petracca in 2024.